Three tracks that show us the versatility of folk rock as a concept and genre

Jeff LeBlanc – “When You Wake Up”
-If you’re a fan of chilled out music that combines elements of folk, rock, and pop, then this song is a definitely “yes.” LeBlanc has a cool, relaxed vocal style that urges the listener to lean in and connect. I appreciate the quality of the production that allows each instrument to shine with the vocal coming through to make an easy connection. It’s about things being better when you wake up. It’s not clear what spurs this “awakening,” but it seems to have a bit of a spiritual connotation. Nevertheless, even at surface level it’s a great tune and a relaxing vibe that’s sure to make a lot of playlists.

Matt Sahadi – “Now That I’m Gone”
-The acoustic guitar on this track provides an anchor; it holds the composition together. The other strings (a mandolin, I’d guess) provides more of a highlight style to it. The lyrical line about Rust Belt lands resonates with us (Pittsburgh and Cleveland here), so it’s great to connect with the overall depth of the track. Even though I did leave my home town, I am still in a very similar part of the country so I’m not sure I fully connect with the ethos of leaving here. But I’ll tell you what connects and that’s the entire premise of the song. It’s got a lot of soul to it and the expressive broken relationship element is so germane to the totality of the region’s history in the past 50 years. I could write so much more about this concept, but mostly I just want people to listen and try to understand the soul of the place. This feels like Springsteen for western PA and I’m not mad about it at all.

Lorenzo Guevarra – “Cotes du Rhone”
-I rarely feature tracks with some lyrics in another language, so when I do it’s because it’s absolutely outstanding. This track has an energy that’s hard to put into words. Part of me wants to say Fleet Foxes… another part of me wants to say St Paul de Vence. Regardless, you get the idea… this is the type of track that is artful folk and demands attention. Through the first half you’ll feel like it’s pretty much all folk, but if you stay with it there are some rock elements that shine through (especially after the three minute marking), giving it that folk rock vibe as well. I’m not sure if the “ash and clay” reference is a connection with the Milk Carton Kids, but honestly that would be congruent with the sound. This is a piece that demands the attention of the listener.

Image courtesy: Jeff LeBlanc IG